Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-05
y. Z. 4. PEE AAxrtora.

\
generni Orders for alen0xiat.dAy
Issued By she New OOmmandsr.in-
ChAef = General Logsn,s Order Of
1865 ia Qu0ted.
The following letters received here by
the g. A. r. Posts from General Lucius
Fairchild, the newly-elected successor to
General John A.. Logan, as Commanders
in Chief OF the g. A. b., In regard TO the
coming Memorial-day commemorations,
explain themselves 4
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS GRAND Army OF
THE REPuBLIo-M ADDISON, Wis. April 18th, 1887
General Orders, No. 11-Nineteen years
ago the then commander-fn.chfef OF the
Grand Army OF the Republic, In General
Orders, set apart the 80th day OF May and
suggested that II he eonseerated TO the
memory Of the fallen soldiers OF the Nation.
This being the first Memorial-day since
his death, the commander-in-chieia asks that
the eloquent and appropriate words OF
General Orders No. IL, 1868, uttered by that
illustrfous soldier and beloved comrade
John A. Logan be again taken as Inspiration
and guidance for the 30th day of May. 1887.
HEAD. QUARTERS, GRAND ARMY OF THE
REPUBLIC, WASHINGTON, ID. O., May 9th,
1863 General Orders, No. Ill. The 30th
day OF May, 1868. Is designated for the pur-
pose OF strewing with flowers or otherwise
died in defence OF their country during the
late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie In
almoat every city, village and hamlet
church-yard in the land. In this observ-
ance no form of ceremony iB prescribed,
but posts and comrades will in their own
way arrange such fitting services and teeti-
monials OF respect as circumstances may
permit.
We are organized, comrades, as our reg
ulations tell us, for the purpose, among
other things, "of preserving and strength
ening those kind and fraternal feelings
which have bound together the soldiers,
sailors and marines who united to suppress
the late rebellion" What can aid more to
assure this result than cherishinR tenderly
the memory Of our heroic dead, who made
their breasts barricade between our
country and its foes2 Their soldier lives
were the reveille of freedom to race In
chains, and their death the tattoo OF 70.
bellious tyranny In arms. We shonld
guard their graves with sacred vigilance.
All that the conseerated wealth and taste Of
the nation can add TO their adornment and
security is but a fitting tribute TO the mem.
DRY Of her slain defenders. Let no wanton
foot tread rudely on tuch hallowed
grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the
coming and going of revsrent visitors and
fond mourners. Let no vandalism OF ava
rice or neglect, no rayages OF time testify to
that we have forgotten as a people the cost
OF free and undivided republic.
II other eyes grow dull and other hands
slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn
trust, ours shall keep It we'll as long as the
light and warmth of life remain to us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed
rather around their sacred remains and
garland the passionless mounds above them
with the choicest flowers Of spring-time |;
let us raise above them the dear old flag
they saved from dishonor; let us In this
solemn presence renew our pledges to aid
and assist those whom they haveleftamong
us sacred charge upon a nations grati-
tude-the soldiers and sailors widow and
orphan.
II. 1t is the purpose OF the commander
in-ehief to inaugurate this observance with
the hope that II will be kept up from year
to year, while q survivor OF the war re-
mains to honor the memory OF his departed
comrades.
He earnestly desires the public press to
call attention to this order, and lend Its
friendly aid In bringing 1t to the notice OF
comrades in all parts of the country In time
for simultaneous compliance herewith.
III. Department commanders will use
every effort to make this order effective.
By command of John A. Logan, Com
mander-in- Chief.
N. P. CuIPMAN, Adjutant- General.
By command OF Lucius Fairchild, Com
mander-in- Chief.
E. B. aRAY, Adjutant- General.